Landscape architects design Forest of Imagination for Bath

Grant Associates participating in a major creative collaboration for contemporary arts installation in World Heritage City

09 JULY 2014, BATH, UK
Summary
Bath-based landscape architects, Grant Associates, are part of a major collaboration of local creative businesses and individuals creating a brand new four-day contemporary arts event popping up in the City of Bath this summer. The Forest of Imagination transforms an area of Sion Hill in Bath into an imagined, fantastical landscape. Part garden, part outdoor gallery this installation creates the setting for a seriously playful programme of artworks, events and interventions. It takes place from 11 to 14 July 2014 and is free to attend.

Bath-based landscape architects, Grant Associates, are part of a major collaboration of local creative businesses and individuals creating a brand new four-day contemporary arts event popping up in the City of Bath this summer.

The Forest of Imagination transforms an area of Sion Hill in Bath into an imagined, fantastical landscape. Part garden, part outdoor gallery this installation creates the setting for a seriously playful programme of artworks, events and interventions. It takes place from 11 to 14 July 2014 and is free to attend.

Forest of Imagination Installation Design

Designed by Grant Associates, The Forest of Imagination works with an existing fabric of mature trees, glades, grassy slopes and secret pathways to create a trail of experiences orbiting a magical Forest glade. Inspired by the Bower Bird nests of Asia, this glade is a lure for the people of Bath. Colourful found objects, recycled and borrowed elements are reworked into the fabric of the landscape and help draw the visitors into an alternative experience of nature in the city.

The experience is heightened by a variety of artworks embedded within the landscape and responding to the exotic, otherworldly, scary and surprising character of this forest heart. Unusual plants merge with the existing trees and shrubs to further emphasise the difference of this place. A Forest trail connects the outdoor grounds with the indoor galleries and Studios. A temporary indoor woodland will take the experience inside the University and gallery spaces.

Creative collaboration puts Bath on the map for Contemporary Art

This collaborative partnership between some of Bath’s leading creative businesses and individuals is hoping to pave the way for a new centre for contemporary creativity in Bath and put Bath on the map for contemporary art as a constellation of creativity in the UK. They include Grant Associates, Bath School of Art and Design, Bath Spa University, 5x5x5=creativity, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Illuminate Bath and Ideas of the Mind.

Andrew Grant, director, Grant Associates, said: “The idea behind this project is create a temporary home for the invisible creative spirit of Bath and to stimulate people’s imagination through a variety of contemporary artforms, installations and experiences.”

The Collaborators

Grant Associates

Grant Associates is a British Landscape Architecture consultancy specialising in creative, visionary design of both urban and rural environments worldwide, working with some of the world’s leading architects and designers.www.grant-associates.uk.com

Bath School of Art and Design

Bath School of Art & Design is a beautiful place to learn. It prepares its students for a creative career better than anywhere else. Its lecturers and facilities get students ready with the skills and knowledge needed to challenge the established order. Bath School of Art & Design is part of Bath Spa University. www.artdesign.bathspa.ac.uk

5x5x5 Creativity

5x5x5=creativity, is an independent arts-based action research organisation which supports children in their exploration and expression of ideas, helping them develop creative skills for life. www.5x5x5creativity.org.uk

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios are an award winning practice with an international reputation for design quality, for pioneering environmental expertise and a radical architectural approach. www.fcbstudios.com

Illuminate Bath

Illuminate Bath took place on 25 – 28 January 2012 it was free, inclusive and accessible to all with over 30,000+ visitors. The projections and installations throughout the city were an inspiration to photographers and filmmakers alike. www.illuminatebath.org/

Ideas of the Mind

Ideas of the Mind is a graphic design, branding and web design agency based in Bath. www.ideasofthemind.com

RSA

The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) is an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. Through its ideas, research and 27,000-strong Fellowshipit seeks to understand and enhance human capability to close the gap between today’s reality and people’s hopes for a better world. www.thersa.org

Quotes
"The idea behind this project is create a temporary home for the invisible creative spirit of Bath and to stimulate people’s imagination through a variety of contemporary artforms, installations and experiences." Andrew Grant, director, Grant Associates
Documents
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About Grant Associates

Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice. Our work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction.

Our design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. We bring original thinking, creative collaboration and are exploring what regenerative design and the circular economy means to landscape architecture.

Our varied portfolio includes ambitious large-scale, landmark projects through to small, local ventures.

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